Most NH candidates cancel events due to Sandy

While no candidates want to concede an election, most major candidates in New Hampshire are conceding Monday to Hurricane Sandy and canceled campaign events.

New Hampshire is among the hottest political battlegrounds in the country. The state has tied races for president, governor and in two congressional contests.

In addition to Vice President Joe Biden canceling his trip to Keene on Monday, most other local candidates are off the campaign trail.

Among the candidates for governor and Congress only Republican candidate for governor Ovide Lamontange is still keeping something of a schedule. He did three radio interviews Monday morning, including an hour-long program on New Hampshire Public Radio, plans to speak at the Manchester Rotary at noon, discussing school choice at the World Academy in Nashua this afternoon, attending a mental health ceremony in Manchester and had planned to attend a Concord Chamber dinner this evening, but it has been canceled.

His opponent, Democrat Maggie Hassan, has canceled her events and is urging everyone to be safe. Instead, she will have a number of private meetings at her campaign office in Manchester.

"I strongly encourage all New Hampshire residents to take every precaution ahead of the upcoming storm and to heed the warnings of emergency personnel," Hassan said in a statement. "Please check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people who experience disabilities, to ensure they are prepared for any impact, including potential power outages."

Hassan was scheduled to have a fundraiser in Manchester Monday night with Gov. John Lynch and U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen that has been postponed to Thursday.

Lamontagne campaign also sent out a statement urging caution.

"We urge residents across New Hampshire to heed the warnings of emergency personnel, look out and care for your friends, family and neighbors, and stay safe as the storm approaches.," said Lamontagne spokesman Tom Cronin. "Our campaign stands ready to do our part to assist in cleanup efforts after Sandy passes.”

As for congressional campaigns, the major event for Monday was supposed to be the 1st Congressional District debate sponsored by WMUR and the Union Leader, but that has been postponed to Friday.

U.S. Rep Frank Guinta has canceled his events today and his remaining in Manchester.

"As a representative, Frank's first priority is working with local and national agencies and is receiving continuous updates on the storm as we follow it and prepare for any possible consequences from Hurricane Sandy here in New Hampshire,” said Guinta spokesman Derek Dufresne. “However, we are eight days our from Election Day and our campaign office is still open and running as usual with volunteers working hard beginning first thing this morning. In addition, the congressman has made our campaign office a drop off location for canned goods/batteries/etc. to help those affected by the storm.”

Guinta's opponent, Democrat Carol Shea-Porter, closed her campaign's Manchester office, but is working out of her Rochester campaign office with five others.

"The deal is that when things get bad we are all going to leave," Shea-Porter said. She said the storm has meant her campaign is working primarily on the phones, social media and even working on her campaign schedule and writing postcards to supporters.

In the Second Congressional District, Republican Congressman Charlie Bass is in the Sunapee area campaigning, but has scaled back events, including that of a spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

Democrat Annie Kuster, who is running against Bass, said her biggest priority is to make sure state residents are safe.

"We always pull together during tough times in New Hampshire, and that’s exactly what we’ll do in the face of this storm. My thoughts are with everyone who has already been affected, and with the first responders who work tirelessly to keep our communities and families safe.”

Copyright 2012 by WMUR.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.